Private Island Once Owned by Shakira and Roger Waters Lists for $30 Million After Plan To Turn It Into Artists’ Retreat Fell Apart

A private island in the Bahamas that was once earmarked as the site of an A-list artists' retreat is set to return to the market for the first time in 20 years—after the group of high-profile investors behind the project failed to bring it to life.

The island, which is known as Bonds Cay, is located in the Berry Islands, and was once under the ownership of a group of investors that included pop star Shakira and Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters.

That group, which bought the property in 2006, had originally intended to transform the rustic 800-acre Caribbean isle into a luxury development that was meant to feature a boutique hotel, luxury apartment complexes and homes, private beaches, and a high-end artists' retreat, according to reports at the time.

Their vision was for an exclusive community where several of its most high-profile investors would also reside, at least part-time, and where artists could freely exhibit their work to the wealthy inhabitants and guests.

However, that concept never became a reality, and the island is now set to return to the market for the first time in 20 years—offering up a rare chance to own an unspoiled oasis in one of the world's most beautiful locales, less than an hour's flight from Florida.

"Bonds Cay feels wonderfully remote, yet it’s only 37 miles from Nassau and 155 miles from Fort Lauderdale. You get absolute privacy without sacrificing convenient access," listing agent Gavin Christie of Corcoran CA Christie Bahamas notes.

“Bonds Cay is one of the most breathtaking private islands in the entire Bahamas with 650 acres of untouched beauty, from powder‑white beaches to turquoise shallows that stretch for miles. It’s incredibly rare to find an island of this size that remains entirely pristine."

While Shakira, Waters, and the rest of their investors failed to bring their own island eden to life, Christie notes that their plans should serve as inspiration for future buyers interested in a similar development.

"Previous master planning on the island highlights how development can be both ambitious and environmentally sensitive. With thoughtful design, new ownership can create something exceptional here while preserving Bonds Cay’s ecological soul," he said.

However, the island should not only be viewed as an opportunity for business, he added, explaining that it could also serve as an idyllic private escape—for those with deep enough pockets to pay for it.

"Whether it be a world‑class resort, an exclusive residential enclave, or an ultra‑private family retreat, the scale of the island allows for extraordinary vision without compromising its natural beauty," he said.

"The island can be utilized as an exclusive private island residence, and/or developed further with multiple luxury residences, hotel accommodations, etc.—all pending government approval."

When Shakira, Waters, et al. bought the island, it had last been on the market for $16 million; while it has not been publicly listed since, it is unclear who currently owns the property—or whether that same investor group quietly offloaded it off-market.

However, the property's new $30 million asking price makes history as one of the most expensive private island listings in the Bahamas.

Anyone interested in purchasing Bonds Cay will likely need to be prepared to invest another hefty chunk of money into the development of the island, whether that be for commercial use or as a personal residence.

The island is currently home to just a few structures, including some "glamping" bungalows and a beachfront bar—and is accessible only via seaplane, helicopter, or boat.

While perhaps not the most convenient forms of travel, its remote locale does make it ideal for anyone seeking to cut themselves off from the outside world.

The Berry Islands are clustered in the northern Bahamas where sport fishing is popular.

The island is also the exclusive habitat of a species of land snail discovered there in 1921—and boasts an abundant natural ecosystem, including a wide variety of marine life.

"Bordered by the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep underwater trench with a variety of marine life, makes the waters some of the most bountiful in the country," a press release shared with Realtor.com® notes.

"Chub Cay, near Bonds Cay, is renowned as the 'Billfish Capital of The Bahamas.' Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and tuna, as well as wahoo, make the area popular for sports fishing.

"Bonds Cay is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, with opportunities for strolling along the shoreline, picnicking, and enjoying the warm Bahamian sun."